Sesshoumaru tilted his head as Rin began to whimper in her sleep, barely audible even to his ears; his lips tightened and he moved to her, brushing a hand over her shoulder to quiet her.

Rin came awake suddenly - still quiet, but her face was wet with tears and her scent thick with them - lifting her head and looking at him; Sesshoumaru inclined his head in acknowledgement.

"Papa!" Rin sobbed quietly, and Sesshoumaru froze, feeling it like a bolt to the spine even as Rin threw herself at him, clinging to his obi; he thoughtlessly wrapped his arm around her to keep her steady and close.